Student Recruitment and Outreach UCAS & STUDENT FINANCE Elisabeth Upton Student Recruitment Manager Copyright University of Reading
APPLICATIONS MADE VIA UCAS
THE ADMISSION PROCEDURE UCAS is a central clearing house The only method of entry to UK degree courses 5 choices should be consistent and realistic All applications done electronically Includes a reference and personal statement 3
Apply September 2016 Applications open 15 October 2016 Deadline for applications to Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science 15 January 2017 Deadline for applications to most courses Offers Universities process applications Applicants invited to interview End March 2017 Majority of offers made by this date Decisions May/ June 2017 reply to your offers Decide on a firm and insurance choice institution August 2017 A level results day (clearing and adjustment)
WHAT ADMISSIONS TUTORS LOOK FOR Academic results Certain subjects (if required) Work experience (if required) Pre-admissions tests Personal statement Reference
WHY IS THE PERSONAL STATEMENT SO IMPORTANT? Your only opportunity to speak to an admissions tutor for the course Admissions tutors use personal statements to compare applicants Your opportunity to stand out!
10 THINGS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT 1. Why this course? (interest/motivation etc.) 2. How are you right for this course? (understanding of subject) 3. What else do you know about the subject? (e.g. reflect on further reading from books, websites, blogs, podcasts, public lectures etc.) 4. What experiences do you have that are relevant to the course? (e.g. work experience, volunteering, uni taster sessions, museum visits etc.) 5. and to your chosen career? (skills developed that link to profession) 6. What are your transferable skills? (e.g. leadership, organisational skills) 7. Can you expand on the most relevant ones? (with specific examples) 8. Are you a critical thinker? (e.g. analytical skills through current studies) 9. What s the long-term plan? (be individual and imaginative!) 10. Be positive! (focus on strengths & enthusiasm for the course) *Which? University 2015
HOW TO STAND OUT Write a strong opening sentence - why have you applied to study this particular course? Demonstrate a real, genuine interest in subject e.g. outside reading, talking to someone in profession, gaining relevant work experience Be original it should reflect you as an individual. Use your own voice Answer why you should have a place on the course Remember the ABC rule explain the Action, the Benefit, and relevance to the Course *According to admissions tutors (Which? University, 2015)
KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER One statement goes to all university choices - don t mention a university by name! Only include information that is relevant or that demonstrates transferable skills Be positive about yourself! Above all be truthful, be specific and be interesting
USEFUL RESOURCES
Student Recruitment and Outreach STUDENT FINANCE
THE BASICS Student Finance England (SFE) provide financial support on behalf of the UK government to students from England entering higher education in the UK What are the two main costs you ll have while studying? Tuition fees Living costs There s student finance available to help full time students with both 13
TUITION FEES What s the maximum tuition fee universities or colleges can currently charge new students*? 9,000 How much of this would you need to pay up front before going to university or college*? 0 *Eligible students, living in England and studying at a publicly funded university or college. 14
TUITION FEE LOANS Cover the fee charged by a university or college - nothing is paid up front! Not dependent on household income. Paid directly to your university or college. Repayable, but only when your income is over 21,000 a year. 15
MAINTENANCE LOANS A maintenance loan is available to help with your living costs while you re studying The amount you can get depends on household income and where you live and study Paid directly into your bank account each term Repayable, but only when your income is over 21,000 a year 16
MAINTENANCE LOANS 2016/17* Household Income Home Elsewhere London 25,000 and under 6,904 8,200 10,702 30,000 6,322 7,612 10,103 35,000 5,740 7,023 9,503 40,000 5,158 6,434 8,904 45,000 4,576 5,845 8,304 50,000 3,994 5,265 7,705 55,000 3,412 4,667 7,105 60,000 3,039 4,078 6,506 *Full year students under 60 not eligible for other benefits and not final year 17
LIVING COSTS What types of things might you need to pay for while studying at university? Rent Food Utility bills (heating, electricity, water) if not included in rent Internet access (if not included in rent) Contents insurance TV license Books/stationery/field trips Travel Phone bill Social/entertainment Clothing/personal items 18
EXTRA SUPPORT Bursaries Scholarships Personal Circumstances Part-time work linked to personal circumstances and often, household income linked to academic results or ability in an area such as sport or music If you have children, or an adult who is dependent on you Many students work up to a maximum of 20 hours a week awards can include discounted tuition fees, accommodation or cash can be subject specific and are usually limited in numbers If you have a disability, including a mental-health condition or specific learning difficulty Consider placements and internships over the holiday periods 19
WHILE YOU RE STUDYING Students that find themselves in financial difficulty should visit Student Services to speak to an advisor Most universities have funds that may be able to assist in times of difficulty 20
HOW TO APPLY Apply online at gov.uk/studentfinance Open from Jan-May in the year that you start your course Apply early! To ensure that your student finance is ready for the start of your course Consent to share information with third parties The Universities can then assess your circumstances in case you are entitled to additional support Apply with preferred choice, even if not yet confirmed You can change details later if required. 21
HOW MUCH COULD I GET? Find out how much loan you could get using the online student finance calculator www.gov.uk/student -finance-calculator 22
REPAYMENTS Repayments start from April after graduating or leaving university Only when your income is over 21,000 a year Repay 9% of your income over 21,000 Deductions made from your pay through the HMRC tax system If your income falls to 21,000 or below your repayments will stop Any outstanding loan balance will be written off 30 years after entering repayment 23
MONTHLY REPAYMENTS Annual income before tax 9% will be deducted from 21,000 0 0 30,000 9,000 67 40,000 19,000 142 50,000 29,000 217 60,000 39,000 292 Monthly repayment (approx.) Interest is applied to your loan at a maximum rate of RPI +3% More info can be found on: www.studentloanrepayment.co.uk 24
TO RECAP Main costs while studying: tuition fees and living costs Repay from April after graduation when income 21,000+ Research all finance available Apply online & on time don t wait for a confirmed place Repayments will be linked to your income, not what you owe! 25
RESOURCES 26
THANKS FOR LISTENING! Any questions? Copyright University of Reading